Controlled formation of Ag-AgxO nanoparticles on the surface of commercial TiO2 based composites for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of oxalic acid and phenol

It is widely accepted that the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 can be enhanced by modifying its surface with noble metal nanoparticles, such as Ag. On TiO2, Ag nanoparticles are exposed to rapid oxidation, resulting AgxO. Therefore, in present work, activities composites were investigated. They consisted commercial titanium dioxide mixtures (Aldrich anatase and rutile) well-defined ratios which deposited on titania, or without using a reducing agent. The transformation into AgO was monitored considering anatase/rutile ratio reference catalyst(s). effect activity also studied via degradation phenol oxalic acid under UV light irradiation. concluded rutile could increase charge separation. In case anatase, similar results obtained for as-formed amorphous nanoparticles. tertiary quaternary generally exhibited higher efficiencies towards than corresponding mixtures. found unstable during experiments they transformed Ag2O, transform back processes, appropriate conditions. other hand, stability not affected aging period. it deduced more stable compared Ag2O rutile.